Parliament observed a minute's silence Friday out of respect for Princess Margaret who died February 9.

Premier Jennifer Smith requested that condolences be sent to Britain's Royal family.

Referring to Princess Margaret's death from cardiac arrest as an "untimely passing", Ms Smith reminded her House colleagues of the Princess' special relationship with Bermuda.

"Princess Margaret had strong links with Bermuda and visited these shores on some eight occasions," the Premier said.

"The Princess was most closely involved with the work of the Bermuda Regiment whose Colonel-in Chief she was.

"Indeed Bermuda was fortunate to have the Princess preside over the momentous occasion in 1965 when the Bermuda Militia Artillery (the Black Regiment) and the Bermuda Rifles (the White Regiment) joined to form a new, unified, Bermuda Regiment.

"Mr. Speaker, for the first time, Bermuda had a single Regiment representing all Bermudians; and it was the Princess who presented the Bermuda Regiment with its new colours, remarking that the Regiment had an opportunity and a responsibility to `set an example of goodwill, of unity and comradeship, not only to the future members of the Regiment but to the Country - and the world.'

"That the Regiment has done so is, I think, a fitting way to honour the Princess's patronage."

The Premier also reminded the House of Princess Margaret's last visit to Bermuda, in 1990, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Regiment.

"Members will have noticed that all flags have been flying at half mast on all Government buildings today in solemn honour of the Princess," Ms Smith continued.

"I have already written to the Princess's family expressing condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda and received acknowledgement of that letter from Her Majesty, The Queen. I know that the Acting Governor has also written, as the Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Regiment."

Princess Margaret was given a private family funeral Friday at Windsor Castle.

Her body was later cremated.